Human on the Inside with PG Comms’ Pippa Gardner
Maxme: We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Welcome Pippa, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the Founding lead of PG Communications - a communications consultancy you first ignited in 2015.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does your role entail?
Pippa Gardner: I help people supercharge their communications skills - to communicate effectively, present confidently and win work!
M: While you’ve been a communications consultant for over 8 years, your skills were honed over a 15-year journalism career both in Australia and overseas.
You spent 7 years with BBC World Television in London covering major news events from the 2008 US Presidential election to coups in Africa. Returning to Australia in 2010, you spent 5 years with Channel 7 Sydney’s 6pm News bulletin and top rating morning show Sunrise.
In recent years you also held a Chief of Staff role to the Group CFO for Australia Post!
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
PG: I am naturally curious, love learning and get terribly bored sitting still. While I’m no longer a reporter on TV, every day I still get to put my journalism hat on and work with incredible people to help unlock and tell their stories. Whether that’s large Enterprises needing to get everyone on the same page for a transformation project or a start-up raising money for compostable stretch wrap.
We hear a lot about the importance of Innovation these days but one of the biggest roadblocks to innovation is poor communication. What drives me is being able to use my communication skills to help others amplify their voice, collaborate effectively and make a difference.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
PG: I don’t think I ever knew with 100% confidence what I wanted to do, rather a series of events, perhaps luck, would set my career course.
In year 12 I studied Chemistry, Maths Methods, English, Geography and Ancient History - a broad range of subjects ‘to keep my options open’. I loved English and had thrown around the idea of journalism, but the school career counsellor warned it was a hard industry to crack.
As luck would have it, my Dad, a Scientist, was being interviewed on the Channel 10 children’s show Totally Wild, and asked if I could do work experience.
After a week of researching stories and opening fan mail, I would go on to be offered a job as a Production Assistant.
My TV career had begun and a few months later I started studying Journalism at QUT.
I had the incredible advantage of seeing how to apply what I learnt in the classroom to the newsroom – which helped me hone my storytelling skills and cement my determination to pursue a career in journalism.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
PG: Never lose self-belief, as there is a divine plan for every human being. Be the change you want to see in the world.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
PG: We live in a world drowning with more information, more ideas, more data than ever before. I believe no matter who you are – if you want to stand out in your career and have an impact in the knowledge economy you must be an effective communicator.
People who can filter information quickly, pinpoint what’s important and share it so it’s not only understood but convincing will have a competitive edge in the future of work.
M: Self awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. What’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
PG: My superpower is communication. I make complex things clear, so transformations succeed, businesses win work and employees feel heard.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
PG: Confidence – and I still need to work on it! I’m a perfectionist by nature, which can be crippling to a career. I’ve had to get out of my head and have a go, say yes to opportunities or roles I don’t know how to do and have the confidence I will make it work (albeit with many mistakes along the way).
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work in the field of communications, what would it be?
PG: Do not underestimate the power of simple communication.
In an increasingly complex world – being able to communicate clearly and simply - genuinely is a superpower. It’s how you will cut through the noise and be heard, trusted and remembered.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one Uni graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
PG: I’m looking for someone who is a great cultural fit, positive, curious and brave enough to have a go knowing your team has your back to support you.
M: In the words of American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
PG: I am learning how to coach an under 8’s netball team – which is a little like herding cats. This could be the greatest test of my communication skills to date.
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